In 1929 dos Santos1 published his original work on translumbar aortography. Two years later he reviewed his early results in 100 cases.2 No major complications were encountered. In recent years, with the large number of aortograms performed, numerous reports have appeared here and abroad concerning the complications of translumbar aortography, and of arteriography, in general. Some of these complications are inherent in the procedure; perhaps more have been due to faulty technique, improper selection of the type, quantity, or concentration of contrast media, and unwise application of this diagnostic method in certain clinical states.

The patient whose death forms the basis for this report developed massive gangrene of the gastrointestinal tract following translumbar aortography. Autopsy showed old occlusions of the celiac and superior and inferior mesenteric arteries. The bowel had been kept alive by retroperitoneal collateral circulation until the final insult.